Chapter 9: Into the Forbidden Shadow Valley
Chapter 9: Into the Forbidden Shadow Valley
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Boom!
A loud thunderclap rumbled in the distance as Han Ye stood at the entrance of the Forbidden Shadow Valley.
Before him stretched a vast, ominous land filled with towering black trees, thick mist, and eerie glowing plants. The air itself seemed heavy, as if the valley was rejecting outsiders.
Even elite Inner Sect disciples avoided this place unless necessary.
Yet, Han Ye was only an Outer Sect disciple—and he had to survive here for three days alone.
His mission? Retrieve the Shadow Essence Lotus hidden deep inside the valley.
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The Trial Begins
As Han Ye stepped inside, the temperature dropped. A faint howl echoed through the mist, sending shivers down his spine.
He activated his Spirit Sense, scanning his surroundings.
Immediately, he sensed multiple life forms moving in the darkness.
"Beasts are already lurking…" Han Ye muttered, gripping his sword tightly.
Suddenly—
Rustle!
A shadow leaped at him from the side.
Han Ye reacted instantly, twisting his body as a black-furred beast barely missed his throat.
He landed a few feet away and got a clear look at his attacker.
A Shadowfang Wolf!
Its red eyes glowed in the darkness, saliva dripping from its fangs.
Spirit Sea Level 5!
If this was just the beginning, then the deeper parts of the valley would be far worse.
Han Ye steadied his breathing.
He couldn't afford to waste energy on prolonged battles.
With a swift step, he vanished from his spot—
Shadow Sword Technique: Phantom Slash!
A flash of light!
The wolf's head separated from its body before it even realized what had happened.
Thud.
Blood dripped onto the ground as Han Ye exhaled.
This was only the first beast.
He still had three days to go.
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The Night Hunt
As darkness fully settled over the valley, the real challenge began.
The beasts here were strongest at night, their bodies absorbing the valley's dark Qi to enhance their power.
Han Ye climbed onto a large tree, hiding within its branches.
He didn't move recklessly. Instead, he observed.
Roars echoed in the distance.
The valley had its own hierarchy. Stronger beasts ruled over weaker ones, and Han Ye planned to exploit that.
While waiting, he took out a Beast-Repelling Incense from his storage pouch.
It didn't work on high-level beasts, but it was enough to keep weaker creatures away.
As the night passed, Han Ye meditated, absorbing the valley's thick shadow spiritual energy.
To his surprise, it wasn't harmful. Instead, it strengthened his body, subtly refining his meridians.
"Could this be an opportunity instead of just a trial?" Han Ye whispered.
His understanding of shadow-based energy was improving.
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The Second Day: Ambush in the Depths
On the second day, Han Ye ventured deeper into the valley.
The mist thickened, limiting his vision. He relied solely on his Spirit Sense to navigate.
After traveling for hours, he finally reached a dark lake surrounded by jagged black rocks.
His instincts screamed danger!
Before he could react—
Splash!
A massive serpent-like beast burst from the lake, its scales shimmering with a dark, metallic sheen.
Darkwater Python – Spirit Sea Level 7!
Han Ye barely dodged as the python's tail slammed down, shattering the ground where he had stood.
"This won't be easy," Han Ye muttered.
The Shadow Essence Lotus was growing on a rock in the middle of the lake—
But the python was its guardian.
He had to defeat it to complete the trial.
Taking a deep breath, Han Ye tightened his grip on his sword.
The final battle of the trial had begun.
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End of Chapter